Legal References & Standards

Essential legal documents, standards, and regulations for land surveying professionals

Federal Laws & Regulations

Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

Fundamental system for surveying, platting, and describing land in the United States.

Last Updated: 2023 Download Manual

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Manual

Official guide for cadastral surveys of federal lands.

2009 Edition Access Manual

State Regulations

State Licensing Requirements

Minimum Technical Standards

State-specific standards for boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and construction staking.

Updated Quarterly Select State

Professional Standards

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards

Nationally recognized standards for land title surveys.

NSPS Model Standards

Professional practice standards developed by the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

2022 Edition View Standards

Practice Guidelines

Ethics Guidelines

Professional ethics and conduct guidelines for surveyors.

2023 Edition Read Guidelines

Best Practices Manual

Comprehensive guide to surveying best practices and procedures.

2023 Edition Access Manual